How to Make Sugared Cranberries
Updated: May 17, 2023
Looking for a simple way to dress up any holiday dessert? Learn how to make sugared cranberries. They're so easy to make and give treats that extra sparkle.
As the holidays approach, our minds and Pinterest boards start filling with visions of gorgeous seasonal treats. In the fall, it’s stunning pumpkin-filled bakes and during winter we dream of dazzling desserts to celebrate the holidays. All these recipes are delicious and pretty on their own, but why stop there? With just a few minutes of extra work, you can turn your desserts into showstopping, edible art with one addition: sugared cranberries.
These edible decorations look like frosted jewels atop any cake and they are so easy to make. We’ll show you how.
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How to Make Sugared Cranberries
To make sugared cranberries, you can follow our Test Kitchen’s recipe. You’ll need:
- 12-ounce package fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup coarse sugar
- 1/2 cup superfine sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon pasteurized liquid egg whites
To sugar the cranberries, toss them in a large mixing bowl with water and pasteurized egg whites until coated. Then spread the cranberries on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the coarse and superfine sugar until coated. Move the cranberries to a wire rack and let them dry. It’s as easy as that! They should be all set up within two hours.
Editor’s tip: Try this sugaring technique with fresh rosemary to add extra holiday flare.
How to Decorate with Sugared Cranberries
The best part about these sugared berries—besides the fact that they are quick to make—is that they can dress up any dessert effortlessly. A few of these cranberries sprinkled atop a cake or scattered around a dessert platter is enough to have people ooh-ing and ahh-ing. Take a look at these dessert decorating ideas that become more elegant with the addition of these candied berries:
Of course, these recipes are just the start! Any cranberry dessert would benefit from these decorations.
